Part Time Volunteer and Education Coordinator

Solano Land Trust is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is the preservation of agricultural lands, open space, and resources through the acquisition of land and conservation easements, education, and land management. Since its founding in 1986, Solano Land Trust has permanently protected 19,403 acres of land for the current and future residents of Solano County. 

Position Overview: 

The Volunteer and Education Coordinator is responsible for developing, managing and promoting public access programs at the Lynch Canyon Open Space and on other lands owned by Solano Land Trust (SLT).  The Coordinator will recruit and train volunteer docents, do outreach to and liaison with user groups, organize, schedule and publicize a wide range of events and activities, liaison with Solano County park staff, and develop and implement educational programs, including working through other non-profits or local schools.  The Coordinator will consult with Solano County park staff on similar programs for their parklands from time to time.

SLT Education and Outreach Program is staffed by 2 part time Volunteer and Outreach Coordinators.

These positions are currently funded through a contract with Solano County (through June, 2010), and supplemented by SLT general funds and donations. Funding for the position may be continued by the County if the current agreement is extended further or other sources of funding are obtained.  SLT is seeking additional resources to increase funding for this program.

Responsibilities:

Recruit Volunteers

• Reach out to the public to attract individuals to serve as docents and support other volunteer needs from research and educational materials development to event planning and office support. Train Volunteer Docents
• Update and further develop a comprehensive program for training volunteers to serve as docents at Lynch Canyon and other SLT sites. Docents will be able to lead hikes, educate the public, interact appropriately for grade level, and maintain a safe environment.

Public Outreach

• Maintain and publicize a schedule of activities and events, in coordination with other SLT staff.
• Write press releases, flyers, direct mail, website updates and other materials to widely publicize SLT events and build relationships with local press. Respond to public phone and email inquiries about SLT activities, sites, facilities, and education programs
• Systematically identify target groups to approach for partnering opportunities, esp. schools and other non-profit organizations which could benefit from using SLT properties and underserved populations.
• Work with local cable stations to promote the SLT brand and SLT events.
• Represent SLT at meetings and conferences. Work with user groups
• Coordinate with user groups and SLT partner groups including Rush Ranch Education Council, Jepson Prairie Docents and Access Adventure, in support of their services and educational activities on SLT properties.

Act as SLT liaison with County park rangers

• Coordinate SLT and County efforts with park rangers.
• Assist park rangers in working with the public.
• Do other tasks related to building a strong relationship with County park staff.

Act as SLT liaison with local schools

• Increase environmental education programs to be offered on SLT properties in cooperation with local schools and other community organizations.
• Work cooperatively with teachers to develop age-appropriate curriculum for such programs.

Manage activities and events on SLT lands

• Coordinate with other staff to continue existing activities, such as trail workdays.
• Develop new activities and events to advance SLT's goals.
• Participate in activities in a lead role.
• Monitor and track volunteer hours and attendance at all outreach events and report data to SLT Board and Exec. Director and Solano County Parks (for Lynch Canyon)

Develop budgets

• Develop budgets to support the Education and Outreach Program.

Undertake special assignments

• Manage special assignments, such as celebration of acquisitions of open space land, grand openings and similar events

Provide Fundraising Support

• Work with Executive Director and Development Director to identify and cultivate potential donors.
• Provide support on SLT programs at fundraising meetings.
• Work with current funders and SLT staff to identify new sources of funding, write grants, and provide reports as necessary.

Qualifications:

• BA or BS in biology, environmental science, ecology, teaching or a related field
• Teaching credential is a plus (completed or in progress)
• Volunteer program support experience (recruitment, coordination and communications)

Skills:

• Experience teaching and/or working with students preferred
• Knowledge of California natural history, flora, and fauna preferred
• Ability to manage multiple shifting variables (weather, timing, student preparation)
• Ability to develop age-appropriate curriculum, especially related to environmental studies
• Ability to work with and motivate volunteers
• Ability to do outreach and promotional work, including good writing skills
• Data analysis, record keeping, budgeting and reporting capability
• Ability to work with multicultural community, Spanish-speaking an asset

Physical Requirements:

• Standing/sitting intermittently throughout the day
• Repetitive finger movements with computer use
• Various fieldwork activities, including assisting other staff with trail maintenance and habitat restoration volunteer workdays, in varying weather conditions
• Lifting and carrying of tools and field equipment
• Ability to drive for local and regional travel

Other

Please note that use of your personal automobile is required.

Compensation: Salary range is $40,000 to $57,500 for fulltime work, adjusted based on current FTE of the position.  Medical, dental and 403.b. retirement account, with SLT matching up to 2%.